Chichester Harbour Hotel Autumn Wedding with Steve & Rachel

After their lovely summer engagement session earlier in the year, I was really looking forward to Steve & Rachel's wedding day at the Chichester Harbour Hotel, in West Sussex. As it was a bit of a drive to do twice in a day, I booked into a local B&B for the night before and after, and made a bit of a mini holiday out of it - something I like to do if your wedding is more than about 2-3 hours drive from my home in Kent. For this wedding, I had Simon as my second photographer.

Arriving in good time on the wedding morning, I took the time to get some lovely photos in and around the venue on a crisp and bright October morning. Inside, the was a vibrant purple accent in the ceremony area, something that would continue through into the reception. Upstairs, Rachel and the girls were getting ready, all squeezed into one of the larger rooms at the hotel. With space a bit of a premium, I tried to keep out of the way but made sure to get the essential photos, and we even had time for a few bridal portraits and a first look with Rachel's dad.

Steve & his two best men got ready in nearby Bognor Regis, and it wasn't long before they were suited and booted and welcoming guests at the hotel before heading in begin the ceremony. There were some touching moments and a few tears from Steve as Rachel and her bridesmaids walked down the aisle, as they tied the knot in front of their family and friends. Given the limited space inside the hotel, after some canapes we all headed a short walk round the corner to a nearby park for some group photos and a confetti bomb over the happy couple!

Sending their guests back to the hotel and the bar, Steve & Rachel stayed with me in the park for some couples photos, while Simon was busy inside getting some lovely details of their reception set up and the table details, after the staff had turned around the ceremony room for the wedding breakfast. Soon after, everyone began to take their seats and to welcome Steve & Rachel into the room so they could take their seats at the top table.

After the meal, the speeches kicked off with Rachel's dad giving his speech as a recording due to some health issues affecting his voice. Despite this, it was still loving and poignant in equal measure, and drew a huge round of applause. Steve came next, and then his two best men with the traditionally embarrassing stories! With the sun starting to go down and a lovely golden glow being cast over the town, I once again took Steve & Rachel to the nearby park for some sunset photos, including around the small chapel and the side streets, with a bit of flash power.

Back inside, their elaborate cake was cut and the first dance got underway, followed by Rachel and her dad, and Steve and his mum sharing a dance, before everyone else descending onto the dancefloor to party the night away. With my coverage now coming to a close, I had an idea to do a couple of final photos of the happy couple just outside the hotel, and these dramatic shots rounded off the evening beautifully. This was such a great day, and I wish them both all the best!

Whether you're planning a big lavish wedding, or something much smaller, head over to my wedding photography page for prices and lots of information on how I can help make your day as memorable and as awesome as possible! You can also get in touch to enquire about your wedding date to see if I'm available.